Due to personal reasons back home I need to break the contract that I have. I have been very open w/the school about the situation and had said (just verbally) I would stay until a replacement was found. About 4 wks have passed and still no replacement. The situation back home has gotten worse and I really, really need to leave. I told them that I basically need to leave this weekend ---- I don't care about the money (3 wks worth)and what not. Essentially I have given them a months notice --- we have been looking for a replacement for a month. After telling them that I need to leave this weekend they told me taht they would call immigration and that I wouldn't be able to leave the country. Is this true? I have no desire to come back so I don't care if I am blacklisted and can't get back in. I am just wondering if they really can prevent me from leaving the country. Please someone reply ASAP.

The hakwon has had 4 weeks to find a replacement and hasn't yet? Guess why!
Further more, there are conditions in all contracts with ESL teachers that include acceptable reasons to nul and void a contract at any point. What you are doing, and about to do, is perfectly acceptable.
You offered fair warning, and you receive a threat? What school is this?